BILLINGHAM Synthonia are hoping to translate an encouraging performance against Spennymoor into points at home to Northern League pace-setters Darlington.

Synners gave a good account of themselves at Quakers’ main title rivals in midweek, losing 4-2 after going into half-time on level terms.

And that has given them some confidence as they try to follow Guisborough’s lead and become only the second side to beat born-again Darlington this season.

“We matched Spennymoor in the first half and, at times, we were the better side before their quality told after the break,” said Synners assistant manager and ex-pro Lee Tucker, who spent the 1991/92 season at Darlington.

“But we deservedly pulled a goal back and that has given us confidence going into another challenging game against Darlington.

“We will be aiming to perform for the full 90 minutes, not just 45, and we want to exploit the few weaknesses that Darlington have.”

Tucker said passing side Synners will place the emphasis on attack rather than containment against the free-scoring visitors as seventh plays first at Central Avenue.

“We won’t be sitting back and putting 10 men behind the ball,” he added.

“Darlington have got so much quality that they would eventually break you down, and it’s not in our nature to do that anyway.”

Josh Moody will be back in the Synners goal after injuring his knee while saving a penalty against West Auckland.

Jordan Robinson and Andy Burton also return.

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Guisborough destroyed Darlington 4-1 at the KGV in September, and boss Chris Hardy is hoping hard work will reap rewards at West Auckland.

The Priorymen lost their second game in a row at Celtic Nation - who have signed ex-Boro man Nathan Porritt - on Tuesday, conceding twice in the final 10 minutes after leading 2-1.

“We should have seen the game out at 2-1, and we would have but for a couple of defensive lapses,” said Hardy after seeing his side slip to 12th.

“After the game, it felt that a lot of good work and effort went unrewarded. We will regroup and look to go again at West Auckland.”

Liam McPhillips, one of Guisborough’s scorers at Celtic Nation, is among their injury doubts.

Marske could hand a debut to former Turkey youth international Lev Yalcin on Durham City’s plastic pitch.

Yalcin, 27, has become new manager Ted Watts’ third signing and was prolific for the former Stokesley boss during their time together at Broughton Road.

Marske are 18th, with two wins from five since Watts replaced Craig Gibbin at the helm.

Two rungs below the Seasiders, Norton play only their third home game of the season following a freaky sequence of opening fixtures.

Powerhouse Spennymoor are the opponents at Station Road as the Ancients bid to get over a disappointing FA Vase exit at Second Division Jarrow Roofing.

Third-bottom Billingham Town have showed plenty of team spirit since being crushed 7-1 by Darlington, although they report mixed personnel news for their journey to Consett.

Craig Perry is back in the squad but James Middleton is unavailable and Craig Norman, Stephen Flockett and Matty Garbutt are injured.

Coach Ian Perry has left the club due to work and family commitments.

Thornaby are promoting the annual Kick It Out anti-racism week in their home Second Division game against Morpeth.

Local schoolchildren and the club’s Under-10s will be prominent in spreading the message on a day when three new signings are poised to make debuts.

In-form striker Ben Bonner has arrived from Stokesley - who are at Crook - alongside Rocky Andrews and Liam O’Mahoney and should prove useful additions.